[newton139]

Hi,
I want to test for lead in paint using sodium sulphide. I believe I can produce sodium sulphide fairly easily starting with sodium sulphate. I should be able to buy Glauber's salts from a Pharmacy. This is hydrated sodium sulphate. How do I dehydrate it? Just heat it? If I heat it with carbon, will that get rid of the water and the oxygen? If so, how do I get rid of any residue of carbon, please?

Na2SO4·10H2O + 2C >> 10H2O + Na2S +2CO2

Thanks!